The Brock Badgers erased a 6-1 deficit to beat the Toronto Varsity Blues.
In a thrilling match from start to finish, Brock defeated Toronto 9-7 on Monday, Sept. 30 at Alumni Field.
Before the match, the Brock Badgers and Toronto Varsity Blues lacrosse teams united in orange to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and reflect on the history of the residential school system and its inter-generational impact on survivors and their families.
After the game, men's lacrosse head coach Vince Longboat spoke about what this day means to him.
"Having the crowd here tonight was great. It's a fantastic thing to show some culture from the Native side to the non-Native. It opens conversations and allows people to ask questions about residential schools and why we do this night."
Longboat further explained the importance of sharing about residential schools and the opportunity Brock University provides.
"I know growing up in the schools I went to that were on reserve, we were not taught about residential schools. I really enjoy what the school does and letting us have this night. Without it, this education piece doesn't happen, so this is big."
The Brock Badgers and Toronto Varsity Blues took part in a drumming circle before the game. Photo Credit: Stephen Leithwood.
Brodie Thoms led the Badgers with three goals in the victory, with the Critical Criminology major playing an important part in Brock completing the comeback.
Building on their momentum after striking first, the Varsity Blues took a 4-0 lead before a goal from Thoms broke the deadlock for the Badgers in the second quarter.
The visiting Varsity Blues added two more before the end of the first half to take a 6-1 advantage into the break.
A flurry of goals in the second half helped Brock erase a five-goal deficit.
Not done yet, the Badgers took the lead as second-year attacker Colton Armitage cut in from the right side of the net to give Brock their eighth goal of the game and the Badgers' insurance goal in the win came from James Gowland.
Andrew Kidd scored twice and on the score sheet with a goal each was Jaden Patterson and Mitchell Zulian.
In between the pipes for Brock were both Connor Scott and Jaxon Longboat who split time in the victory.
Next, the Brock Badgers men's lacrosse team hosts the McMaster Marauders at Alumni Field on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. Last season, the Badgers beat the Marauders 3-1 at Alumni Field on Oct. 22, 2023.
